Responding to the June 21 letter on the Pioneer Valley Regional School District budget deficit and superintendent decision, I agree that the debt is shocking, though not unexpected, given the lack of oversight and management by the outgoing superintendent and the school committee.

The school committee was warned of management and budget issues in the superintendent’s last district. The result was not unavoidable. The school committee does need to take responsibility for that lack of oversight.

I disagree with Ms. Scallion as a better choice this time around. I attended that meeting, carefully listening to each candidate’s interview. One obvious objection with two candidates from outside the district was the lack of investment in our recovery. They had nothing at stake and an attitude that what they had always done before would work for us. There was a lack of flexibility in their thinking. Foremost, Ms. Scallion specifically used thoughtless language in discussing budget variables when she described special education as “the three-headed monster.”

Looking around, I saw both parents’ and teachers’ eyebrows raised and mouths open in shock. I wondered what century she was from and knew she didn’t have the necessary sensitivity.

We need someone invested in our future who understands our students’ needs. The right candidate will have new, perhaps even radical ideas on how to support the district, and understands what makes PVRSD excellent for our children. Stale, old thinking will not work in our new reality and is actually what got us here. Closing schools is a decision that must go through the proper channels, once the new superintendent has time to properly assess the current situation.

The school committee made the only correct choice with John Scagel. Our district will be guided by someone who understands us, is invested in making necessary changes, and has creative ideas for financial stability. I am excited for what may come! I hope we can all work together to help Mr. Scagel make it happen.

Margaret Livingstone

Northfield